Easy Texas Hash

This one-pan Texas Hash brings together juicy ground beef, fluffy rice, crunchy veggies, and tasty spices in a filling dish that's just right for busy nights. You'll only need 15 minutes to get it ready, then your oven takes over while you relax. I stumbled upon this comfort food gem when looking for quick pan meals and couldn't believe how these basic ingredients came together for such a tasty dinner.

I made this for my husband last week who usually hates when foods are all mixed together, but he actually asked for more! What's the trick? Everything keeps its own texture without turning mushy, and the flavors blend just right.

Key Ingredients and Smart Picking Advice

• Ground Beef: Go for 85% lean for the tastiest results without extra grease
• Rice: Stick with regular long grain (skip instant) to soak up all the yummy flavors
• Tomatoes: Keep all the juice in the can - it's what cooks your rice
• Green Pepper: Brings brightness and color; you can use thawed frozen ones too
• Chili Powder: Adds gentle warmth without making things too spicy

What makes this dish special is how the rice soaks up all the tasty juices from the beef and tomatoes while baking, making everything moist but never soggy.

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

Step 1: Cook Meat with Veggies

Using a big 12" cast iron pan over medium heat, throw in your ground beef, chopped onion, and green pepper all at once. This saves time and lets the veggies soak up meaty flavors. Keep cooking until you don't see any pink in the meat and the veggies start getting soft.

Step 2: Get Rid of Fat

Tip your pan to pour off extra grease. This keeps your meal from being oily and helps the rice cook better.

Step 3: Throw In Everything Else

Mix in your canned tomatoes with their juice, raw rice, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir everything really well so the flavors spread evenly.

Step 4: Cover It Up

Put a tight-fitting lid or some aluminum foil over your skillet. Make sure it's sealed well - your rice needs that trapped steam to cook right.

Step 5: Bake Until Done

Stick your covered pan in a 375°F oven for about 35-45 minutes. Your rice should soak up most of the liquid and get soft. Different types of rice might need more or less time.

Step 6: Fluff and Top with Cheese

Take it out and gently stir with a fork to separate the rice. Sprinkle cheddar cheese all over the top while everything's still hot.

Step 7: Melt That Cheese

The heat from the food will melt your cheese nicely. Want it more melty? Pop it back in the oven uncovered for a couple minutes.

Step 8: Let It Sit

Give your meal about 5 minutes to rest. This lets the flavors settle in and makes serving easier.

Step 9: Dish It Up

Scoop straight from the pan for a homey feel or put it in a nice serving dish if you're feeling fancy.

Step 10: Save Extras

Put leftover Texas Hash in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It tastes great warmed up in the microwave later.

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My first try at this dish left some crunchy rice because I didn't cover the pan well enough. Trust me, getting that tight seal with foil or a good lid is the key to perfectly soft rice.

Money-Saving Dinner Ideas

This Texas Hash shows how to feed everyone without emptying your wallet - it costs less than $10 and feeds five people with big portions. The ground beef goes further mixed with rice and veggies, so your grocery money stretches. You probably already have most ingredients in your cupboard, and they often go on sale for stocking up. One pan gives you dinner tonight plus lunch tomorrow, and it actually tastes better the day after.

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Kid-Friendly Tweaks

This dish works great for families where everyone likes different things. If someone loves spicy food, just add more chili powder or some chopped jalapeños. Got picky eaters who hate veggies? Chop the peppers and onions super tiny so they blend right in. My kids started enjoying this meal when I let them add their own toppings - some sour cream, extra cheese, or even some crushed chips for a bit of crunch.

Changing With The Seasons

You can switch up this meal all year using whatever veggies are fresh. In summer, grab tomatoes and bell peppers from your garden or farmer's market. During fall, try mixing in some diced butternut squash with the peppers. Winter versions work great with canned tomatoes and frozen peppers from the store. When spring comes around, stir in some fresh peas just before serving. These small changes keep meals interesting while using what's affordable right now.

Prep Ahead and Freezing Ideas

When life gets crazy, Texas Hash can save your dinner plans. You can brown the meat and veggies ahead of time, then keep them in the fridge for up to a day before finishing the recipe. Or make the whole thing, let it cool down completely, and split it into freezer containers to keep for up to three months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight and warm it up covered in a 350°F oven for about 20-25 minutes until it's hot throughout.

Cooking Secrets For Success

• Try adding a spoonful of smoked paprika with the chili powder for deeper flavor
• Use beef broth instead of water if you want it to taste even better
• A few drops of hot sauce adds nice background warmth without making it too spicy
• Let your beef get really brown before stirring to create more flavor
• If you don't have cast iron, think about moving everything to a baking dish for even cooking

I figured out these little tricks after making this dish many times - especially the smoked paprika, which makes everything taste so much richer without changing how the dish feels overall.

This simple pan meal has become my go-to when I need good food without spending forever in the kitchen. Having protein, starch, and veggies all together means you've got a complete meal in just one pan, perfect for those nights when you're too tired to cook but still want something satisfying.

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This Texas Hash shows that tasty, filling meals don't need fancy cooking skills or weird ingredients - just some basic know-how and letting simple flavors do their thing.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Will brown rice work instead of white rice?

Sure! Swap in brown rice, but give it an extra 15-20 minutes in the oven. Add a splash more liquid too since brown rice takes longer and absorbs more.

→ Can I use turkey instead of beef?

Totally! You can use turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat. Just know leaner options might not taste as rich.

→ How do I make it spicy?

For more kick, throw in some extra chili powder, chopped jalapeños, a touch of hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

→ Can I add different veggies?

Of course! Corn, black beans, or diced zucchini are great options. Mix corn or beans with the tomatoes, and toss in zucchini with the onions and peppers.

→ Can I prep this in advance?

Yep! You can assemble it up to the baking step and stash it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when ready, and add a bit more liquid. Baking might take 5-10 minutes longer.